Dibaba Looking To Extend Win Streak In Eugene

Tirunesh Dibaba won gold in the 10,000m last summer in London. Photo: www.photorun.net

She has never been beaten on the storied Hayward Field.

On June 1, some of the fastest distance runners in the world will line up at the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Ore. One of these runners is arguably one of the best female distance runners of all time: Tirunesh Dibaba.

The 27-year-old Ethiopian, who owns the 5000m world record, will race in her signature event.

She also owns a gold medal from the London Olympics in the 10,000m and a double gold (5000m, 10,000m) from the Beijing Games in 2008.

On the famed Hayward Field track, Dibaba has not been defeated. She has also set meet records there on two occasions. Interestingly enough, her younger sister Genzebe just ran the fastest 5000m time in the world this year last weekend.

Up against the older Dibaba sister in Eugene will be four very capable Kenyans: Sylvia Kibet, Veronica Nyaruai, Viola Kibiwott and Mercy Cherono.

Americans Shannon Rowbury, Lisa Uhl, Kim Conley, and Neely Spence are also entered. Uhl has the fastest 5000m of the Americans (14:55.74).

Duncan Larkin

Duncan Larkin is a freelance journalist and author who’s been covering the sport of running for over a decade. He’s run 2:32 in the marathon and won the Himalayan 100-Mile Stage Race in 2007. He wrote the book RUN SIMPLE, and coaches runners of all abilities.
You can learn more about him here: http://roadsmillslaps.tumblr.com/about